For long now it had been considered that Federer wasn’t able to beat Nadal because of the apparent mental block he had against the spaniard. Federer’s early encounters with Nadal were mostly played on clay, something that affected Federer’s approach to playing him even on other surfaces, a fact that even Federer agrees to.
Uncharacteristically, Federer used to go on the defensive against Nadal, allowing Nadal to play the game at his pace and dictate terms from the baseline. He tried to mix things up later in their rivalry but till then the mental block and turned it a big black boulder.
But the last 3 occasions against Nadal have been different. When you sometimes face an opponent too often and go down against him too often, you stop thinking clearly. Time off the court and time off Nadal helped Federer reassess his strengths and weaknesses with respect to him(Nadal). And that is the major reason that Fedal 2.0 belongs to Roger Federer.
He has enjoyed the long break in their rivalry because that has helped him treat Nadal like a new player all together, and not look at him from the lens of the old Federer that was so often tormented by Nadal. Tonight was the third time he beat Nadal in a row, this time completely sweeping him off court with his strong baseline play. In less than an hour Federer romped to a 6-2, 6-3 win and with Djokovic knocked out by Kyrgios and Murray making an early exit, it seems Federer could have his name on that elusive Indian Wells trophy.
This is how Twitter reacted to Federer’s sweet, sweet victory over Nadal.
Reactions on the next page:
For the 1st time in #Fedal history, Roger #Federer has 3 consecutive wins vs. Rafael #Nadal:
Basel 2015
Melbourne 2017
Indian Wells 2017 pic.twitter.com/N8YQAkZ21X— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) March 16, 2017
Unexpected, and incredibly quick to boot: Roger Federer thumps Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-3 in just 68 minutes to reach Indian Wells QFs vs Kyrgios
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 16, 2017
Looks like Federer has a Nobu reservation tonight he has to make. On fire🔥 @BNPPARIBASOPEN @rogerfederer #FederervsNadal
— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) March 16, 2017
I know its going to be a good day when I wake up to watch Federer beat Nadal & those vintage backhand winners! #FederervsNadal #FedalXXXVI
— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) March 16, 2017
Roger Federer, at 35 years young, has just demolished Rafa Nadal in 67 minutes (6-2, 6-3). A truly remarkable athlete. The Greatest.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) March 16, 2017
Walking into the quarterfinals like… 👋🏼#BNPPO17 #Federer pic.twitter.com/V9PTld7vjM
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 16, 2017
RF "Beating Rafa on any court on any surface is a great result for me, because I have struggled so much against him” https://t.co/sNPUANbpVd pic.twitter.com/uvJPNpK9w5
— Roger Federer Live (@FedererLive) March 16, 2017
Today I’m reminded of @andyroddick saying “I learnt a long time ago to stop being surprised by anything Roger Federer does”.
— Fiona (@federering) March 16, 2017
More reactions on the next page
Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, all out before the quarterfinals yet 35 year old Roger Federer remains. Is their any doubt he's the #GOAT #BNPPO17
— Chris Kato (@ChrisK8o) March 16, 2017
"That is an unbelievable performance in stereo" – Jim Courier on Roger Federer's 6-2, 6-3 win over Rafa Nadal #BNPPO17
— Roger Federer Book (@FedererBook) March 16, 2017
The Federer backhand is the new Federer forehand.
— Catherine Whitaker (@CWhitakerSport) March 16, 2017
So you're telling me that after, 13 years of trying, Federer has cracked how to play Nadal at the age of 35 and a half.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) March 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sizzle_PinHead/status/842269437046722560
If he stays strong and fit… with this game and precision he can get at least this year's Wimbledon https://t.co/aUU67iFR68
— Janez Lipec (@jlipec) March 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/klaudia_cs93/status/842268949861531648
https://twitter.com/fourtylovee/status/842266296335106048
